Why
she made the list: Kalika Moquin has an undeniable
passion for everything that she does in the world of Las Vegas
entertainment, and anyone who has had the pleasure of partying
with / because of / or around her can attest to her total enthusiasm
for all things nightlife. In a world all too often run by those
'jaded' to what is exciting to most, Kalika's seemingly childlike
imagination for entertainment possibilities has already given
the Las Vegas nightlife industry such great events as the annual
"Vegas Prom," and will undoubtedly give us many more
nights that make us wonder, "Did that really just
happen!?"
How
you should know her: You would have to have been
hiding under a rock to miss Kalika working at Tao, ICE, N9NE,
Rain, JET, Vegas VIP, and Godspeed over the past few years. And
even still you would have probably seen her hosting celebrities
and millionaires for Vegas VIP at every single club in town. Otherwise,
hopefully you weren't lame and you have at least been to her yearly
Vegas Prom Event.
I
caught up with Kalika online the night before the Second Annual
Vegas Prom hosted by Bo Karlen, Vegas Vibe, and herself. Granted
she is a great friend of mine, but anyone who has ever been responsible
for a major event of anykind can certainly attest to the fact
that giving an interview is the last thing you want to do when
the clock is ticking less than 24 hours from doors opening. Fortunately,
Kalika is more than calm in the 11th hour:
JC:
Congratulations on making the list, and thanks for joining
me today!
KM:
I'm so honored!! Thanks for including me in the list.
JC:
No problem, let's get started. I know you aren't originally from
here, so where did you move from and what brought you to Las Vegas?
KM:
I moved here from Missoula, Montana a little over 2 1/2 years
ago. I've always had a passion for people and making things happen.
Vegas seemed like the perfect city for me. I moved here shortly
after turning 21 knowing that I wanted to work in nightlife.
JC:
Knowing you, I'd believe it. Once you got out here, how
did you get your start in the nightlife industry?
KM:
Oh boy, here goes. haha. When I moved here I didn’t know
a single person. I treated finding a job as a job. I was out everyday
9-5 applying at casinos, restaurants, and out every night introducing
myself to all the night club doorman, security, managers, etc.
asking everyone what I needed to do to work there. My first job
was working retail at Coyote Ugly but I knew that’s not
what I wanted to do so I kept hunting. After living here a month
and probably attending over 100 different job interviews during
that time I was offered a cocktailing position at the N9NE Steakhouse.
I’ve met everyone worth knowing while working here and it
really opened a lot of doors for me when looking for work in actual
clubs.
JC:
Alright...give me a brief “resume” for yourself?
KM:
My first club job was a promoter for ICE. I fell in love with
the power that came along with it, and decided that promotions
and marketing was what I wanted to do. After working for both
N9NE and ICE for a year, I left to take a VIP Host job with Vegas
VIP. I worked Vegas VIP on weekends and assisted Blake Anthony
in promotional work for Pure Tuesdays and Tangerine Wednesdays.
Vegas VIP is like family to me, and I owe a lot of where I am
to the company Vice President Michael Tomes who has been my best
friend/boss/mentor though almost all my time spent here in Vegas.
In July of 2005 I decided to move forward with an idea I had to
do an Industry Prom. I formed partnerships with top Vegas promoter
Bo Karlen and event planner Vegas Vibe, to bring the 1st Annual
Vegas Prom to life. In January of 06, I helped open and worked
as a promoter for JET nightclub. It was the first real club job
that I had and I really learned a lot of great things while working
for the best in the business. I left JET in May to focus on the
2nd Annual Vegas Prom and continue to work with Vegas VIP during
the busy summer season. I also accepted an actual hosting job
for Godspeed at the Mandalay Bay where you’ll see me every
Monday night.
JC:
What challenges did you face to get to the level of success you
are at now?
KM:
To keep going when I feel overwhelmed, never looking back, living
in the present, dreaming of the future, staying true to myself,
and always seeing the best in people. I never see the obstacles,
only the destination. If I want something I go for it. I always
love a good challenge and opportunity to work hard!!
JC:
What do you feel your most important accomplishments
have been thus far?
KM:
The ability to take risks, learn from my mistakes. Creating the
Vegas Prom had been huge. I love having creative control. That
is what has made this event so fun for me. However, I feel my
biggest accomplishment would be the life I have created for myself
in Sin City. I have been lucky to find amazing people to surround
myself with. True friends I can count on and trust. To me finding
that second family is a huge accomplishment.
JC:
Talk to me about motivation. What keeps you at
the top of your game, and inspires you to constantly innovate
the industry?
KM:
The drive for change. I’m always motivated to try the next
thing and see what I can create and do next. Having a positive
outlook on life, and living each day to the fullest, (hangover
days not included). I think you have to be passionate about what
you do. While money is important, I’ve never been motivated
by it. I think when money becomes what drives someone it takes
a lot the humanity out of a person. I love Las Vegas nightlife
and everything it stands for. It’s all about the experience,
memories, energy, going out, meeting new people, forming new relationships,
showing someone the time of there lives, learning and making a
living all at the same time. There is nothing in the world that
gives you more of an opportunity to do this than the Las Vegas
Nightlife Industry.
JC:
Alright, let's get your take on things. What do you think
are the most important elements a nightclub should have to help
ensure it’s customers get their money’s worth?
KM:
Customer service. In Las Vegas there is so much competition and
so many options that there really isn’t just one “hot”
club. I think today people choose the club they want to go to
based on where they feel most comfortable. People want to walk
into a club and be treated like a rock star. When you know a customer
by name and offer them amazing service they will remember that
and return again and again.
JC:
So, what are the top five clubs in Las Vegas according to you?
KM:
For political reasons I opt to not answer that question. haha..I
will say that my favorite club is Body English. The energy, customer
service, ambiance, staff, music, everything about that club is
top notch. I always have such a great time there.
JC:
Have any advice for tourists wanting to go out?
KM:
It helps to go through an agency like Vegas VIP who knows
everyone in the Industry and can plan your trip for you. Even
if you opt to not use an agency, I think having a table reservation
and arriving on time will ensure that your night goes smoothly
and as planned. Beyond that, visit Jackcolton.com for all other
information on going out in Las Vegas!
Much
Respect,
Jack
Colton
Colton@JackColton.com
FOOTNOTE:
The 31 Most Influential People in Las Vegas Nightlife list
is brought to you by JackColton.com and NapkinNights.com.
The list was independently selected by me, and in no way reflects
the opinions of NapkinNights or their staff. There will be a celebration
for those honored on this list at Tao Nightclub in March 2007.
All photography for the 31 Most Influential list provided by Tracy
Lee.
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The
20 Most Beautiful People in Las Vegas Nightlife.
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To Get Into the Clubs Quicker!
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TRUTH about VIP Services.
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To Reserve A Table YOURSELF.
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- Frequently
Asked Las Vegas Club Questions.
jjLas
Vegas Travel Guides!
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